Modular step cover system for a swimming pool cover

ABSTRACT

A pool cover system for covering in-ground pools that have a step area which comprises a standard pool cover and a modular step cover system that are integrally attached. The modular step cover system includes a step area section which covers the step area of the pool and a flap section which extends below the pool cover and submerges into the pool. Where the step area section attaches to the flap section, there is an insert member for attaching the pool cover to the modular step cover system. Straps on the pool cover located in the area of the step cover system include strap extensions which are inserted into and through openings in the insert member of the step cover system. The straps extensions and straps of the pool cover are anchored to a deck area of the pool. A plurality of clips is used to secure the pool cover to the modular step cover system. The pool cover system meets safety standards and allows for full coverage and protection of the pool, while minimizing the need to extend the cover beyond the dimensions of the pool.

PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 60/574,789, filed May 27, 2004.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to swimming pools, and in particular, to a pool cover system for covering in-ground swimming pools with a step area using a modular step cover system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A swimming pool cover may be used to cover a swimming pool for a variety of reasons such as to prevent accumulation of dust and debris in the pool and to prevent evaporation of pool water and chemicals from the pool. The pool cover may also be used for safety reasons to prevent someone from falling into the pool that may not be able to swim, especially in the winter when the water reaches dangerously low temperatures.

Typically, a pool cover for a pool having steps integral to the pool must be custom made due to the location of the steps and/or multiple locations of steps. There is no standard size pool cover which is fabricated and used for covering swimming pools that have steps. In some cases, a pool cover which is larger than necessary has been used to protect the steps when the standard pool cover is used. After the pool cover is centrally placed over the pool, straps extending from the edge of the pool cover are used to attach the cover to the pool deck beyond the step area. A problem inherent with this method is the pool cover extends substantially beyond the pool area to cover the steps which prohibits the use of the deck area being unnecessarily covered.

Another problem inherent with conventional standard pool covers of the type described above is that the steps and pool are not adequately protected. Dust, debris and other materials are allowed to enter the pool which then dissolve in the water or sink to the bottom making it difficult to maintain a clean pool.

Other attempts have been made to specially design a pool cover or cover for steps to cover a pool having a distinctive shape. For example, a modular plastic cover has been designed to overlay a step area. However, fabricating a pool cover or step cover having a distinctive shape can be very expensive and labor intensive. The cost of manufacturing such a pool cover or step cover as well as the cost to the consumer, is great when compared to the cost of a standard pool cover.

A problem with specially designed step covers, such as the one mentioned above, is that the covers may not meet the safety standards for pool cover. For example, the main pool cover and step cover are not integrally attached and there is no overlap between the two covers. As a result, an opening is usually present between the pool cover and the step cover through which a child may fit and accidentally fall into the pool.

The standard requirements used for assessing the safety of pool covers are set by ASTM International (“ASTM”) which promotes making products and services safer, better and more cost-effective. ASTM standard F1346-91 is applicable to pool covers and prohibits the existence of openings or gaps in or around the perimeter of the pool cover that may allow a small child (under five years of age) to have access to the pool. Specifically, the standard requires that any openings must be sufficiently small enough to prevent a small child's head from gaining access to the water. The standard also requires that the anchoring straps are durable and childproof such that the straps may not be unanchored.

Therefore, for the reasons stated above, there is currently a need for a pool cover that meets safety standards and is adaptable to a pool having a step area, easy to assemble, cost-effective and prevents debris from entering the pool, such as that provided by the present invention described below.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved pool cover system that overcomes the shortcomings of prior art systems.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved pool cover system that permits the pool cover system to be easily fabricated and assembled at the location of the pool in the field.

It is further object of the present invention to provide an improved pool cover system that forms an integrated closure between a pool cover and a step area cover which is not prone to separation or substantial leakage between the two covers.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved pool cover system that prevents dust and debris from accumulating in the pool.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved pool cover system that meets the ASTM safety standards for pool covers using a pool cover and integrally attached modular step cover system.

In accordance with the above objectives, the present invention provides a pool cover system including a standard pool cover securely and integrally attached to a modular step cover system which meets ASTM safety standards. The pool cover includes a sheet of material which is supported by a plurality of straps on both sides of the sheet such that the plurality of straps are woven in a grid configuration and secured to the sheet of material. The plurality of straps also extends outwardly from the grid configuration and peripheral edge of the sheet of material. The pool cover is fitted and centered over the pool and secured to a surface surrounding the pool, such as a swimming pool deck area, by the plurality of straps extending outwardly from the peripheral edge of the sheet.

The modular step cover system includes a step area section which covers the step area of the pool. The modular step cover may also include a flap section which is attached to the step area section and extends below the pool cover submerging into the pool. Where the step area section attaches to the flap section, an insert member is present for attaching the pool cover to the modular step cover system. The straps on the pool cover located in the area of the pool cover that will be placed next to the steps include strap extensions which are inserted into and through openings in the insert member and a securing member of the step cover system. The strap extensions are longer than a length of the step area of the pool so that the strap extensions may be secured to the area of the pool deck beyond the step area using an attaching means. A plurality of clips is used to secure the pool cover to the modular step cover system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a swimming pool with a step area according to the prior art;

FIG. 2A a perspective view showing a swimming pool with a step area covered by an oversized pool cover according to the prior art;

FIG. 2B a perspective view showing a swimming pool with a step area covered by a custom made pool cover provided to incorporate the step area according to the prior art;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a swimming pool with a step area covered by a pool cover according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing a swimming pool with a step area covered by a pool cover according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a modular step cover system according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a detailed perspective view showing the modular step cover system integrally attached to the pool cover via a securing member according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective showing the securing member (a clip) for attaching a modular step cover to the pool cover according to the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1-8, which in general discloses a pool cover system having a modular step cover system.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2A, a standard pool cover 10 used in the prior art is shown covering a pool 12 having a step area 14. The pool cover 10 includes a plurality of straps 16 (usually about 26 total) which is coupled to, and extends outwardly from a peripheral edge of the pool cover as will be discussed in greater detail below. In this example, the standard pool cover is oversized and typically used on pools having a greater length but necessary on a pool having a smaller length with the step area. The entire structure of the pool cover requires a significant amount of deck space area to secure the pool cover to the deck area. Another example of a prior art pool cover is shown in FIG. 2B which illustrates a custom made pool cover 18 having an integrally connected step area cover for a pool with a step area in a specific location.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a pool cover system in accordance with the present invention is identified generally by the reference numeral 20 and shown in its extended position. The pool cover system 20 includes a standard pool cover 22 and a modular step cover system 24 for covering and protecting the pool. The standard pool cover used with the pool cover system of the present invention is shorter in length than the standard pool cover used in prior art (FIG. 2A) for a pool with steps having the same length. The modular step cover system 24 is integrally attached to the pool cover 22 in a side-by-side relationship and provides protection to the step area of the pool as will be described hereinafter.

The pool cover 22 includes a sheet of material 26 which is supported by the plurality of straps 28 affixed on both sides of the sheet such that the plurality of straps is in a spaced relationship and woven in a grid configuration (FIG. 3). As stated above, the plurality of straps 28 also extends outwardly from the grid configuration and peripheral edge of the sheet of material 26. The pool cover 22 is fitted and centered over the pool and secured to a surface surrounding the pool, such as the swimming pool deck, by the plurality of straps 28. The plurality of straps 28 is secured to the surface surrounding the pool with an attaching means 32, such as with a tension spring and an anchor (not shown), where the end of the strap engages one end of a tension spring and the opposite end of the spring is affixed to the anchor embedded in the pool deck area 30. The straps 28 on the pool cover 22 located in the step area of the pool include strap extensions 34 so that when the pool cover 22 and step cover system 24 are integrally attached, the straps may pass underneath the step area of the step cover system and be secured to the deck area in an area beyond the step cover (FIG. 4), as explained hereinafter. The strap extensions support both the step cover system and the pool cover. The strap extensions 34 are attached to the straps 28 by a connector (not shown), such as a buckle, which securely links them together. However, any type of suitable connector means which will securely attach the straps and strap extensions together may be used. It is understood that the pool cover and step cover system are attached to the deck area such that a small child is unable to slip through or become entrapped in any openings that may occur between the cover and the side of the pool.

The sheet of material 26 is preferably formed of a durable fabric so that the pool is protected from dirt and debris as well as from sun rays which can fade the surface of the pool. The fabric may also provide thermal insulation for retaining heat when the pool is not in use. The straps 28 are preferably formed of a durable material so that when the straps are affixed to the sheet of material, the straps provide suitable reinforcement and rigidity. The straps may also provide resistance to sagging of the pool cover into the pool. It is understood that the rigidity of the straps inhibit a child from removing or operating the cover thus being childproof.

With reference to FIG. 5, the modular step cover system 24 comprises a step area section 36 which covers the step area 14 of the pool and may include a flap section 38. Reinforcing straps 40 are attached to a peripheral edge of the step area section 36 and to a peripheral edge of the flap section 38 on both sides. The reinforcing straps 40 at the corner of the step area section 36 extend outwardly from the peripheral edge and are used to secure the step area section to the surrounding deck area. The step area section 36 is attached to the flap section 38 via an insert member 42 which is for attaching the pool cover to the modular step cover system. The insert member 42 comprises two straps, a top strap 44 and a bottom strap 46, which are securely fastened on each end and along the straps such that it includes openings 48 along the insert member as described hereinafter. The openings 48 are secured on each end by a sealing member 50 and situated at spaced positions between the two ends of the insert member 42. The side of the step area section 36 adjacent to the insert member 42 also includes a securing member 52 for insertion of the strap extensions 34. The securing member 52 comprises a strap which is attached to a bottom of the reinforcing strap of the step area section adjacent to the insert member. Similar to the insert member, the securing member and reinforcing strap are securely fastened on each end and along the straps such that openings 58 along the securing member are present at spaced positions between the two ends of the securing member. The strap extensions 34 are passed through openings 58 securing the step cover system tightly to the deck near the step area. It is understood that different types of fastening methods for attaching the insert member and the securing member to form openings may be used such as sealing, sewing or a water-proof adhesive, etc. It is also understood that the size of the openings are designed in such a way to be sufficiently small to meet ASTM safety standard F 1346-91 and prevent a small child from having access to the pool.

As shown in FIG. 6, the flap section 38 may extend below the pool cover 22 and submerges into the pool. The flap section closes off a region between the step cover and the pool cover to prevent debris from entering the pool via the insert member 42 and falling on the surface of the steps. The flap section 38 may also include nosing pads 60, generally a square reinforcement sheet, to protect the cover from abrasion from the steps and vice versa. This arrangement may also provide an overlap area between the pool cover and the step cover system for added safety precautions and to prevent separation during any movement while the pool cover system is being placed on or removed from the pool.

The pool cover 22 is securely and integrally attached to the modular step cover system 24 using a plurality of clips 62 (FIGS. 7-8) to form the pool cover system as shown in FIG. 6. The strap extensions 34 on the pool cover 22 located in the step area of the pool are inserted into and through the openings of the insert member 42 and pass under the step area section to proceed through the openings of the securing member. The strap extensions 34 are longer than a length of the step area section 36, shown as L on FIG. 6, so that the strap extensions may be secured to the area of the pool deck 30 beyond the step area of the pool using a standard spring and anchor (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 6, the plurality of clips 62 are then affixed to the modular step cover system 24 and pool cover 22 to securely hold them together. FIGS. 7 and 8 display a clip 62 which includes a first hook portion 64 for fastening the clip to the step area section 36; a second hook portion 66 for fastening the clip to a top side 68 of the pool cover; and a third hook portion 70 for fastening the clip to a bottom side 72 of the pool cover. It is understood that many types of clips may used, for example an extruded PVC clip, in the present invention having a variety measurements and made of a variety materials. It is also understood that the use of the clips further prevent a small child from having access to the pool according to ASTM safety standards by adding extra closure means.

The strap extensions 34 are then secured to the deck area 30 via a tension spring and an anchor (not shown), as shown in FIG. 4. The step area section 36 and flap section 38 integrally attach to the pool cover 22 to form an integrated closure between the pool cover and step cover system 24 which is not prone to separation or substantial leakage between the two covers. Thus, the method for attaching the modular step cover system to a standard pool cover permit the pool cover system to be easily fabricated and assembled, and is a cost-effective way for covering a pool having a step area.

Although the pool cover system is shown in FIGS. 1-8 for use with a rectangular pool having a step area, it is understood and within the scope of the present invention that the pool cover system may be fabricated for use with pools having other shapes that include a protruding step area. For example, a curved or angularly shaped pool having a step area may use the modular pool cover system of the present invention.

It is also understood that the modular pool cover system may be used with a pool having multiple step areas. The straps of the pool cover in the areas of the pool having a step area will include strap extensions to anchor the pool cover to the deck. Furthermore, it is understood that the features of the present invention may be used to cover any opening adjacent to the pool such as swim-out areas, spas, seating facilities, and the like. 

1. A pool cover system for covering an in-ground pool with a step area having a pool cover and a modular step cover system, the modular step cover system comprising: a step area section for covering the step area of the pool; a flap section which extends below the pool cover; and an insert member for attaching the pool cover to the modular step cover system, the step area section and the flap section attaching via the insert member.
 2. The pool cover system of claim 1, wherein the insert member includes openings for attaching the pool cover to the modular step cover system.
 3. The pool cover system of claim 1, wherein the pool cover includes strap extensions for insertion through the insert member.
 4. The pool cover system of claim 3, wherein the step area section includes a securing member for insertion of the strap extensions after being inserted through the insert member.
 5. The pool cover system of claim 1, wherein the pool cover and the step area section include straps for securing to a pool deck area.
 6. The pool cover system of claim 1, further including a plurality of clips for securely holding the modular step area system and the pool cover together.
 7. A modular step cover system, comprising: a step area section; a flap section; and an insert member, the step area section and the flap section attaching via the insert member.
 8. The modular step cover system of claim 7, wherein the step area section includes a securing member comprising openings having sealing members situated at spaced position.
 9. The modular step cover system of claim 7, wherein the insert member includes openings having sealing members situated at spaced positions.
 10. The modular step cover system of claim 7, wherein the step area section is attached to a pool cover via the insert member.
 11. The modular step cover system of claim 7, wherein the flap section includes nosing pads.
 12. A pool cover system for covering an in-ground pool having a step area, comprising: a pool cover for covering the pool; a step area section for covering the step area of the pool; and an insert member for integrally attaching the pool cover to the step area section.
 13. The pool cover system of claim 12, wherein the pool cover and the step area section include straps for securing to a pool deck area.
 14. The pool cover system of claim 12, wherein the pool cover further includes strap extensions for insertion through the insert member.
 15. The pool cover system of claim 12, wherein the insert member includes openings for attaching the pool cover to the step area section.
 16. The pool cover system of claim 15, wherein the step area section includes a securing member for insertion of the strap extensions after being inserted through the insert member.
 17. The pool cover system of claim 16, further including openings in the securing member for attaching the pool cover to a deck area.
 18. The pool cover system of claim 12, further including a plurality of clips for securely holding the step area section and the pool cover together. 